How to become an Official

All swimming meets require Officials to enable the event to run. Officials are crucially important to swimming both in your club and in clubs throughout the country. We have a constant requirement for swimmer's parents, and master swimmers, to train as new officials.

ASA licenced galas such as our Open meets have a prescribed number of officials which need to be in attendance to meet the licencing conditions. It is only by attending these types of licenced galas that our swimmers can achieve qualifying times for higher level meets, and for County, Regional and National level competitions.

Judge Level 1: A Judge at Level 1 is trained to carry out the following duties: Timekeeper, Chief Timekeper, Inspector of Turns Chief Inspector of Turns, Relay Take-off Judge

Judge Level 2: A Judge at Level 2 is trained to carry out the following duties: Judge of Stroke, Finish Judge and Chief Finish Judge. Training as a Starter can be incorporated as an additional skill to achieve the Judge Level 2(S) qualification. J2(S)is a pre-requisite to undertaking Referee training.

How Does the Training Work

The training for J1 Level takes place over the course of the swimming season from September to July, and can begin at any time throughout the season. The training is workbook based and there will be a couple of classroom sessions which will normally be at Parkside, and practical sessions on poolside during galas where you will be mentored.

We should emphasis there is no cost involved to the individual. The club pays the ASA a small fee for your training.

Benefits of Becoming an Official

· Increase your technical knowledge of competitive swimming

· Supports the swimmers, club and sport

· Most clubs/events will provide free parking or parking expenses

· Most clubs/events will provide free entry and lunches

· Regional and National events will provide overnight accommodation expenses

· Looks good on CVs/Personal Statements of those doing sports A levels and GCSEs/BTechs